Qassem calls on Barrack to stop his 'threats' and 'rein in Israel'

Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem on Tuesday called on U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to stop what he called his "threats" against Lebanon.

"Lebanon's stability can be achieved through reining in Israel," said Qassem in a televised speech.

Qassem added that Israel does not want to implement the November 2024 cessation of hostilities agreement because "it wants to swallow Lebanon and eliminate its existence."

"Those who think that putting an end to Hezbollah's arms would end the problem are mistaken, because its weapons are part of Lebanon's strength and they don't want Lebanon to be strong," Qassem said.

"Threats do no affect us. Implement the agreement, seeing as Lebanon has implemented it, and all maneuvers and pressures are a waste of time," Hezbollah's leader added.

He also called on the Lebanese government to "protect sovereignty" and launch reconstruction.